RANJIT KUMAR PAL Vs. STATE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This revisional application demonstrates the colossal wastage of money by Life Insurance Corporation, a public undertaking, the prosecution of a Criminal Case for 22 years for a paltry sum of Rs. 8,000/- under an Insurance Policy taken on 15th October, 1957 by one Hrishikesh Ghosh just two years before his death. This case has a chequered history.

(2.) On October 15, 1957, a Life Insurance Policy was effected in favour of the said Hrishikesh Ghosh. On January 1, 1969, the said policy was assigned in favour of the petitioner and one Joydev Paul. On October 20, 1959, the said Hrishikesh Ghosh died. On March 1, 1960, claim for policy of Rs. 8,000/- was lodged on behalf of the assignees.

(3.) On 2nd September, 1960, Sri. P.H. Gupta, Zonal Manager, Life Insurance Corporation of India lodged a complaint with the Officer-in-Charge, Bhadreshwar Police Station against the petitioner and six others, namely Dr. Panchanan Paul (since deceased), Sri. Joydeb Paul, Sri. Ramesh Chandra Paul, Sri. Bholanath Mukherjee, Dr. Mahendralal Rakshit and Dr. Umacharan Kumar, alleging inter alia therein commission of offences punishable under Sec. 120B/420/109 of the I.P.C. 3A. After completion of the investigation charge-sheet was submitted before the learned Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate, Chandannagore on 19th January, 1962. Subsequently the case was committed to the First Special Court at Hooghly as some of the accused persons were alleged to be public servants within the meaning of Sec. 21 of the Indian Penal Code.